Asia needs $700 billion p.a. of infrastructure spending

Private investors will play a bigger role in financing infrastructure projects, particularly in China, says Macquarie's Michael Carapiet.

Countries in Asia, including Japan, need to spend $700 billion per annum for the foreseeable future in order to meet their expanding infrastructure needs, says Michael Carapiet, executive director and joint head of Macquarie Capital Advisers.

The private sector will play a growing role in financing, implementing and operating these projects, provided governments offer political stability. Given these are assets that both require a long-term investment commitment as well as provide services to the public, investors need a stable environment...